COMMISSION: Vote for Bill, Chris

I’ve worked closely with many of the Kootenai County commissioners over the past 10 years and attended dozens of commissioner meetings and budget hearings. Bill Brooks and Chris Fillios have demonstrated consistently that they have the interest of Kootenai County residents and taxpayers in mind when making decisions. I support them and endorse them for re-election.

Don’t be fooled by other candidates who are running on a platform to cut our taxes or hold the line on increases. Look at your tax statement. The Kootenai County commissioners only control about 25% of your tax bill and Brooks and Fillios are very conscious of the taxpayer in their budget deliberations. Other taxing districts, such as school districts, fire districts and highway districts, routinely take the maximum increase allowed each year with minimum concern for the taxpayer.

In Dalton Gardens, I pay close to 55% just to School District 271, Kootenai Fire and NIC. If you live in the city of Coeur d’Alene, you probably pay a higher percentage.

If you want honest and fair-minded commissioners you can talk to, re-elect Bill Brooks and Chris Fillios. Make sure you vote in the primary on May 19; this is when most elections are decided in Kootenai County. Support and turnout are vitally important.

JERRY JOHNSON

Dalton Gardens